How come the Pearl attack happened on turn3 ? Your certainly wouldnt get surprise.
The date is kinda wrong. It was Dec 9 for the orders phase, but I was reporting on the combat replay for Dec 8. Attacks against PH took place on Dec 7th and 8th. Witpqs has hinted that my PH raid was very "fruitful." I am quite sure that I got three of his BBs. Not sure what else might have gotten hit.
Glad to see you back in action, Cap! (Cap was my PBEM opponent more than once in WITP.)
I'm curious why your covering surface group didn't protect your transports on the way to Borneo. Had you set the surface ships to follow the Amphibious TF? You're not the first person to mention that their covering group didn't show up.
Also, are you playing with the historical first turn? I'm about to start a PBEM as Japan, and I'm leaning toward the historical turn just because I fear I'd screw up the non-historical turn, including the PH attack.
Finally: do you have a timetable for taking the DEI? In all my efforts to take it as Japan in WITP, I could never come close to the historical timetable. I guess the secret is to have everything in motion all the time?
Glad to see you back in action, Cap! (Cap was my PBEM opponent more than once in WITP.)
I'm curious why your covering surface group didn't protect your transports on the way to Borneo. Had you set the surface ships to follow the Amphibious TF? You're not the first person to mention that their covering group didn't show up.
I will not be using the follow order again for covering groups on the turn before the invasion. Instead, I am going to send them directly to the invasion objective seperate from the landing force.
Also, are you playing with the historical first turn? I'm about to start a PBEM as Japan, and I'm leaning toward the historical turn just because I fear I'd screw up the non-historical turn, including the PH attack.
This is not a historical first turn. I have something of Field Marshal Montgomery in me. I like to have my forces organized in a tidy fashion so I can understand what is going on. So I use the first turn to get units that belong together heading to the same places. Another thing is that for the PH raid, I want the Kates to concentrate on ships, while the Vals work over the air field. What I have found is that you should take most of your Zeros and set them to 100 feet and airfield attack. Apparently the turn 1 bonus for airfield attacks that existed in Witp is not in AE. So to have any effect you need as many planes as possible attacking the airfield. Even then, the next day witpqs was able to establish a CAP of 80 fighters!
Finally: do you have a timetable for taking the DEI? In all my efforts to take it as Japan in WITP, I could never come close to the historical timetable. I guess the secret is to have everything in motion all the time?
Yes, I have a timetable: as quickly as possible. [:'(]
Zuiho Kates attacked the PoW with no result. Bettys from Babeldoab bombed the Repulse, again with no result.
Kates from the Ryujo are reported to have hit CL Boise with one bomb, causing a fire, and to have hit CA Houston with 4 bombs. Houston is reportedly sunk. Also, Marblehead was not attacked, so the report of its sinking yesterday was apparently correct.
The force that was to invade Jolo will now split up and take the bases on Palawan while I send in fresh forces to deal with the US DDs at Jolo. The fast BBs that were supporting the invasions at Singkwang and Kuching are moving to provide cover for the Palawan invasion.
Meanwhile, Ryujo is heading into the Sulu sea and then to Takao to rearm and refit the Claudes with Zeros. Zuiho will attempt to attack the PoW and Repulse again tomorrow.
Singkwang was taken this turn. An attack at Kuching is order for next turn.
CentPac
I have ordered shock attacks at Guam and Wake for tomorrow. The Wake invasion force is retiiring, but the KB will again launch a ground attack on the US forces at Wake, as will the Nells at Roi/Namur.
Attachments
Actionin..ebesSea.jpg (118.84 KiB) Viewed 270 times
Yeah, the main thing I dislike about the historical first turn is that things aren't organized to my taste. I don't really understand the "magic move" with this non-historical first turn, though. I gather about 10 TFs or so get it?
I also worry that I'll mess up the PH attack -- my inclination would be to put all the Kates on Port Attack and most of the Vals as well, as I figure he'll repair the airfield soon enough, but sunk ships can't be repaired. But then, I'm not inclined to stick around for a second day of PH attacks.
As for covering ships, your new method will guarantee that your surface ships are on station. But now you'll have to worry about mid-ocean intercepts of your transports! The worrying never ends.
The invasion force headed to Puerto Princessa ran into a force of PTs. The invasion force was slaughtered.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 73,83, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
PB Kantori Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Aso Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Josho Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Meisho Maru, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Midori Maru, Shell hits 4
PB Fuji Maru #4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
PT-31
PT-32
PT-33
PT-34
PT-35
PT-41
PT Q-111
PT Q-112
PT Q-113
Japanese ground losses:
223 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
When dawn broke, the BB covering force arrived. Too late, obviously, to support the invasion. (I wasn't expecting those PTs to be there. Witpqs tells me they had just gone there to refuel.) At least we exacted a small revenge for the evening slaughter.
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 73,83, Range 24,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Jintsu
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki
DD Isonami
DD Shikinami
Allied Ships
PT-31
PT-32
PT-33
PT-34, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-35, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-41
PT Q-111, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT Q-112, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT Q-113, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
The really important surface action of the day occurred when my cruiser TF commanded by Tanaka ran into the PoW and Repulse. Fortunately, it didn't turn out as badly as it could have. 1 IJN CA and 1 DD sunk. It looks like all the Brit DDs may be on the verge of sinking. But, naturally, the BB and BC came through fine. (I have yet to see a long lance hit home on a warship.)
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 73,92, Range 24,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 3
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
CA Kako, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Oboro, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Uzuki, Shell hits 1
DD Kikuzuki, Shell hits 1
DD Yuzuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 6, on fire
BC Repulse, Shell hits 10
DD Vampire, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Electra, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Express, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
The retaliatory bombing attack from the Ryujo did no accomplish much, of course, but the combat report does indicate fires aboard the PoW.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Tawi Tawi at 71,92
Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 4
B5N1 Kate x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 9 damaged
Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Bomb hits 2
BB Prince of Wales, on fire
Meanwhile Zuiho got in its licks against the Dutch.
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dadjangas at 76,94
Japanese aircraft
B5N1 Kate x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Allied Ships
CL De Ruyter, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
CL Tromp
CL Java
I believe the De Ruyter is sunk. A Dutch float plane is listed as destroyed on the ground as part of today's aircraft losses.
The way I see it, action in the Celebes sea has now cost the allies 4xBrit DD, 2xUS DD, Houston, Marblehead, and De Ruyter while the Japanese have lost 2xDD and one CA. (Plus other smaller combatants and non-combatants.)
In ground action today, Khota Bahru was captured with heavy losses to the allies:
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Ground combat at Kota Bharu (51,75)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 13195 troops, 171 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 433
Defending force 3617 troops, 40 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 125
Japanese adjusted assault: 309
Allied adjusted defense: 2
Japanese assault odds: 154 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Kota Bharu !!!
Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(-), disruption(-), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
2744 casualties reported
Squads: 86 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 127 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 36 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 25 (25 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Guam finally fell. Unfortunately, Wake held out. Apparently bad weather kept the KB from launching its ground attack. This probably could have tipped the odds in my favor. I am sending the SNLF that was used to take Guam to reinforce the beat up SNLF that is still sitting on Wake. At least he has plenty of supply. The KB itself is now retiring to Truk to rearm in preparation for the push south.
US CV Enterprise was last seen at Pago-Pago. It may have joined up with Lexington there. Whether it has slipped away undetected or not is hard to tell. Hard to know where they are going. If the CVs are heading to Wake, that could be bad for my follow-on invasion. Or he could be headed to Australia. That would be my bet. Considering how aggressive witpqs has been in the Celebes Sea, with practically his entire surface force there, I wouldn't be surprised to see the US CVs headed in that direction.
Until then, however, I am going to try to for a decisive finale to the action around the Celebes. All the BBs Japan owns, except for those accompanying the KB are headed to the narrowest point of the Makassar Strait. No doubt PoW and Repulse can exit the scene before I can catch them, but if the should try to stick around, I am going to try to engage them with my BBs. I have one TF with the 2 fast BBs, and two TFs with 3 each of the slow BBs. PoW and Repulse, meanwhile are low on ammo and, if I am right, have lost their escort. Thus, even my surface TFs do not catch them, I have two subs waiting in the Makassar straight that should have a clear shot at them. Even if I do miss the PoW and Repulse, there are still the Dutch cruisers that will not be able to exit the Celebes before I can block their escape route.
The other TFs in the area, including Tanaka's depleted force, and both the Zhuiho and Ryujo are heading home. Ryuho is going to Takao to replace the Claudes with Zeros, and Zuiho is heading to Badeldoab. From there they will head to Truk where they will join up with the KB where I will then form KB1 and KB2. The fast BBs. after their short patrol in the Makassar strait will also head to Truk to form part of the escort for KB2.
Naval engagements took place across the Celebes and Sulu Seas today. This cost the IJN 1xDD in exchange for numerous allied DDs and at least 1 CL, probably 2. Also of note, not one long lance scored a hit, even though during one engagement the IJN was able to surprise the allies. So far in this game there have been no long lance hits against a warship.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 73,84, Range 3,000 Yards Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Jintsu
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki
DD Isonami
DD Shikinami Allied Ships
PT-31
PT-32
PT-33, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
PT-41, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Tawi Tawi at 72,89, Range 6,000 Yards Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Kako
DD Uzuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Yuzuki Allied Ships
MTB 7
MTB 8
MTB 9
MTB 10
MTB 11
MTB 12
MTB 26, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB 27
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Sangi at 75,95, Range 12,000 Yards Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 1
BB Mutsu
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
CL Yura
CL Kinu
CL Kitakami
DD Mikazuki
DD Minekaze
DD Sawakaze, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Okikaze
DD Yukaze
DD Wakatake
DD Kuretake Allied Ships
DD Alden, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Barker
DD Bulmer
DD Edsall, Shell hits 2
DD John D. Edwards
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Sangi at 75,95, Range 10,000 Yards CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
Japanese launch Long Lance torpedoes at 10,000 yards before allies detect Japanese presence
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Fuso
CL Yura
CL Kinu
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 1
DD Mikazuki
DD Minekaze
DD Okikaze
DD Yukaze
DD Wakatake, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk Allied Ships
CL Java, Shell hits 3
CL Tromp, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Banckert
DD Van Nes
DD Witte de With
DD Evertsen
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Manado at 75,96, Range 7,000 Yards Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
CL Yura
CL Kinu
CL Kitakami
DD Mikazuki
DD Minekaze
DD Okikaze
DD Yukaze Allied Ships
CL Java
CL Tromp, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Banckert
DD Van Nes
DD Witte de With
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 2
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Manado at 75,96, Range 10,000 Yards Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 2
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
CL Tama
CL Kiso
CL Oi
DD Sanae
DD Asagao
DD Fuyo
DD Karukaya, Shell hits 1
DD Hasu
DD Kuri Allied Ships
DD Alden, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Barker
DD Bulmer
DD Edsall, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 3, on fire
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Manado at 74,96, Range 11,000 Yards CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 11,000 yards
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 2
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
CL Yura
CL Kinu
CL Kitakami
DD Mikazuki
DD Minekaze
DD Okikaze
DD Yukaze Allied Ships
CL Java, Shell hits 1
CL Tromp, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
DD Banckert, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Van Nes
DD Witte de With
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Gorontalo at 73,96, Range 25,000 Yards Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 4
BB Ise, Shell hits 3
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 1
CL Tama
CL Kiso, Shell hits 1
CL Oi
DD Sanae
DD Asagao, Shell hits 1
DD Fuyo
DD Karukaya
DD Hasu
DD Kuri, Shell hits 1 Allied Ships
CL Java, Shell hits 12, on fire
DD Banckert
DD Van Nes, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Witte de With
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The last of the PTs
Day Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 74,88, Range 21,000 Yards Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Jintsu
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki
DD Isonami
DD Shikinami Allied Ships
PT-31, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-32, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The last of the four stackers
Day Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 73,92, Range 22,000 Yards Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Jintsu
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki
DD Isonami
DD Shikinami Allied Ships
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
DD Pope, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Gorontalo at 73,96, Range 21,000 Yards Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 1
CL Tama
CL Kiso
CL Oi
DD Sanae
DD Asagao
DD Fuyo
DD Karukaya
DD Hasu
DD Kuri, on fire Allied Ships
DD Alden, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Gorontalo at 72,96
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
G4M1 Betty x 8
Allied Ships
DD Evertsen, on fire
DD Banckert, Bomb hits 1
With these actions the battle of the Celebes Sea comes to a close. Both sides appear to be retiring. The IJN BBs are heading to Truk, the nearest rearming point. (There is an AKE at Truk.) The slow BB TFs will return to the DEI while the fast BBs will join up with the KB, as will the CVLs Zuiho and Ryujo.
Meanwhile, on Luzon, the Sallys struck at the port at Bataan. Escorting Zeros achieved a 2:1 kill ratio of defending P-40s. The allied airforce on Luzon is being attritted away and will soon be completely irrelevant.
Wow, lots of surface action! Too bad about the Long Lances.
On the "follow" order: check out rule 6.2.7.1, page 94 of the manual. If you order the surface combat group to "lead" and the transports to "follow," the surface group will slow down so that the transports stay with it -- and the surface group will be in "front" if there's trouble at the destination. A rather significant change from WITP! It might be helpful to you.
Wow, lots of surface action! Too bad about the Long Lances.
On the "follow" order: check out rule 6.2.7.1, page 94 of the manual. If you order the surface combat group to "lead" and the transports to "follow," the surface group will slow down so that the transports stay with it -- and the surface group will be in "front" if there's trouble at the destination. A rather significant change from WITP! It might be helpful to you.
Thanks for the tip about the follow order. Still not sure I trust it. I still think I will send in the surface force just before the invasion fleet in order to clear the area of enemy surface combatants.
Dec. 17 saw the last surface engagement of the battle of the Celebes Sea. Our retiring BBs ran into the remnants of the Dutch force and sank two more DDs.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Gorontalo at 71,96, Range 9,000 Yards Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
CL Tama
CL Kiso
CL Oi
DD Sanae
DD Asagao
DD Fuyo
DD Karukaya
DD Hasu
DD Kuri Allied Ships
DD Banckert, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 1
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
On Luzon the Japanese how have established multiple air bases are starting a continuous bombing campaign against the Manila/Clark/Bataan complex. I am talking PzB's advice and temporarily bring the 38th division from Hong Kong to southern Luzon where they will march north to Manila and so, hopefully, inducing witpqs to withdraw to Clark Field. Once that is accomplished the 38th will reboard and head for Malaya. I will then use the two other divisions to hold the allied troops at Clark until after Manila falls and a couple of the divisions there can be diverted back to Luzon.
Dec. 18
Sorong has been invaded and will fall tomorrow.
An air flotilla arrived at Menado and went active this turn. Now that the Nells there have torpedos, they should discourage witpqs from further interference with our next thrust south to Ambon and Kendari. I am debating on whether to wait for the slow BB TFs to rearm at Truk and return before launching this offensive, or whether to rely on the deterrent value of my torpedo bombers to keep PoW and Repulse from interfering.
Witpqs apparently is intent on guarding Jolo from invasion. Not only were these two PGs there, but the Brit MTBs are heading in that direction as well.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 74,90
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
G3M2 Nell x 12
Allied Ships
PG Asheville, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
PG Tulsa, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Batjan at 76,104
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
G3M2 Nell x 14
Allied Ships
AVD William B. Preston, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
Troops are now on the way to Puerto Princessa. Meanwhile, I am going to pick up two SNLFs at Miri and use them to take Tarakan in order to better shield my bases on the western side of Borneo from air attacks and to further dominate the Celebes Sea. Jolo too will be occupied by the troops tasked with taking Puerto Princessa. Nevertheless, I am not planning a thrust down the Makassar strait. Instead, my main thrust is still aiming at Timor.
All the land forces tasked with participating in the south seas operation are now at Truk. The KB also arrived there last turn. I was debating on whether to wait for the Zuiho and Ryujo to join up before heading south, as I originally planned. But time is of the essence. My entire strategy is based on taking strategically important bases before the allies have a chance to reinforce them. Thus, while I wait on the fast BBs traveling from the Celebes,as wells as the two CVLs to arrive at Truk, I am going to take a portion of the forces already there and invade both Rabaul and PM. The laggard BBs and CVLs can catch up later.
The 65th Brigade will invade Rabaul and 146th Regiment/56th Division with the support of the 8th Tank Regiment will attempt to capture PM. The KB will run interference and two surface TFs composed of 2xCLs and 7xDDs each will accompany the two invasion TFs for close support. The 15th Base Force will follow along shortly to garrison Rabaul and an air flotilla is also heading there from Takao. Betties will fly in shortly after the occupation as will a Sentai of Zeros.
Even as the invasion of Rabaul is in progress, the 2nd Division and the rest of the 56th Division will set sail for Noumea and Pago-Pago. Once the PM landing is completed and the invasion fleet has begun to retire, the KB will move to cover the the forces heading south where they will be joined by the trailing CVLs and BBs. I expect that these forces will marshal in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz Islands where they will split up, with KB1 and the 2nd division heading to Pago-Pago and KB2 with the rest of the 56th Division heading to Noumea. Meanwhile, the 65th Brigade will reboard at Rabaul and head south to act as a reserve. Should opposition prove to be light at either or both Pago-Pago and Noumea, only one regiment from each division will actually conduct the landings. (I plan on reconning these bases with Glens for a few days before the invasion.) The remaining troops, along with the 65th Brigade will then converge on Fiji.
Just a quick note. I saw a suggestion on the forum to use the "resize to fit ship" method to increase the size of some of these tiny IJN units. So I now have a mission for the Taiyo: it will sail around the Pacific and temporarily load up these tiny detachment and magically make them grow. Maybe I should call it the Mystery Magical Tour of the Taiyo. [:D]
Dec. 20, 1941
And here we go . . . The Rabaul invasion TFs are two days away from the target. I am not sure we have been spotted yet. But I have a report of 3 ships in Simpson harbor. I suspect they are part of the Australian navy. They may, however, be PT boats. If so, I will send in my surface forces to clean them out before sending in the invasion force.
Things have generally been subdued since the end of the action in the Celebes Sea. The only thing that really stood out was the absolute slaughter we faced on a raid against Clark Field. The IJAAF will stand down this turn to lick its wounds. [:(]
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Morning Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 19
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 16
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 27
Allied aircraft
P-35A x 2
P-40B Warhawk x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4
Hmm, 7 planes destroyed -- tough result, though not a disaster. Time to sweep the airfield with Zeroes, maybe?
I'm doing the same thing with Taiyo, lol.
One question about your paratroopers in Japan. Would it be possible or practical to air-transport them over to Bangkok in hops? Maybe using the long-legged Tinas on Formosa? I'm guessing it would take just as long, or longer, to air transport them, what with round-trips and all -- even if one can find airbases to hopscotch to and from. I guess I'm resigned to moving those guys by ship, as you did. I just kinda like the idea of moving paratroopers by air, ya know?
Well, it looks like witpqs did not see me coming after all. The KB bounced two ships in Simpson Harbor, the Adelaide and an xAP. The AP had some troops aboard, so I wonder if they were coming or going? I guess we find out tomorrow as the 65th brigade hits the beach.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 44
B5N2 Kate x 25
D3A1 Val x 17
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
CL Adelaide, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Macdhui, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Well, I continue to learn as time passes. The 38th division started unloading in the night turn at Atimonan (south of Manila) and by the time it got around to the orders phase it was almost completely unloaded. One whole division landed in one turn! They were loaded on AKs and the IJN's lone LSD. So I have seen the value of AKs in a very dramatic fashion. Every xAK that can be converted to an AK is going to be. This turn I spent some time trying to organize these ships so I know where they are when the time comes and I can convert them.
Meanwhile, I have decided that all the conversions of cargo space to troop space were a waste of time with a few exceptions. The xAK that yeild a troop space of 990 after conversion seem worth while: big enough to carry a significant load, small enough so that if one of them is sunk, the entire unit will not go with it. I am not sure if the xAKs that convert to AKs keep the additional troop space after conversion, but I am going to keep those as well. The rest are going back to regular xAKs.
I have also decided that the Japanese Empire will not be building any Tonys. Tony factories have been converted to Franks and Tojo IIa's. The deciding factor was the engine. The Tony is the only plane to use the Nak-Ha-60. So I switched the Ha-60 over to the Nak-Ha-45.
The BBs arrived at Truk but some of them were not able to reload this turn because my sole AKE ran out of ops points. Another lesson: have multiple AKEs at rearming points!
Started out with the slaughter of a transport TF at Jolo. I wonder if witpqs was trying to garrison Jolo, or simply evacing some high value unit from Luzon? I should note that the IJN maintains its dismal record with long lances. The Ravnaas was only hit after already being slowed down by multiple shell hits.
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 74,90, Range 19,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CL Isuzu
DD Hagikaze
DD Ikazuchi
DD Usugumo
DD Sagiri
DD Kikuzuki
Allied Ships
xAKL Elcano, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
xAKL Escalante R, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
xAKL Kanlaon II, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
xAKL Latouche, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
xAKL Sarangami, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
xAKL Taurus, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
xAK Ravnaas, Shell hits 20, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
The Oscars that suffered so badly two turns ago over Clark Field came back today and did better. Unfortunately, their guns can't penetrate a cotton shirt. Lots of damaged P-40s, but no kills.
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Morning Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 38,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 27
Allied aircraft
P-35A x 1
P-40B Warhawk x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar sweeping at 35000 feet
Oscars can't even kill Buffalos. [:(]
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Morning Air attack on Kuala Lumpur , at 49,79
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 29
Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 29
Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ia Oscar: 1 destroyed
Meanswhile, back to Operation Roundhouse. The KB launched an alpha strike today against Rabaul. Turns out witpqs was evacing from Rabaul, not reinforcing. There was almost no-one home, and those that were left were totally destroyed in the bombing raid. When the 65th Brigade landed there was no one left!
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Afternoon Air attack on Rabaul Det. Base Force, at 106,125 (Rabaul)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
B5N2 Kate x 133
D3A1 Val x 127
We captured Rabaul today. A major BF (with naval support) is about 3 days away, and a large group of support ships from Truk, including an AD, and AS, some CMs, some ACMs and some AMc's as well as some TKs with fuel set sail for Simpson Harbor as well. Rabaul will serve as a forward sub base for operations against Australia. Already a number of subs have had their home port changed to Rabaul. This will give them longer time on station.
Before turning to other matters, however, I found this little sub action to be interesting.
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Sub vs Sub: SS RO-34 attacking SS Pompano at 150,129
Japanese Ships
SS RO-34
Allied Ships
SS Pompano
SS RO-34 launches 2 torpedoes at 3,000 yards
We are slowing attriting the Brit MTBs that have been operating out of Tarakan in the direction of Jolo and Tawi-Tawi. These pests need to be taken care of so the occupation of Jolo can proceed.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Tawi Tawi at 71,89, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Chokai
CA Ashigara
CL Sendai
CL Kuma
DD Shirayuki
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Yugiri
DD Minazuki
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze
Allied Ships
MTB 7, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB 8
MTB 9, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB 10
MTB 11
MTB 12
MTB 27
Unlike Oscars, Tojos pack a punch.
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Morning Air attack on Kuala Lumpur , at 49,79
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 25
Ki-44 Tojo x 9
Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged
I have not yet launched a raid against Singapore. The range is far and I am just now getting airbases at Khota Bharu and Alor Star set up. Also, I am worried that the AVG may have relocated here. I am afraid we are going to find the forts there are quite large by the time we arrive. [:(]
Task Forces in motion:
A TF is heading for Jolo. Should be occupied in two days.
I am gathering SNLFs for an attack on Tarakan in order to secure my LOC through the Sulu Sea. (Of course, Cagayan can still launch anti-shipping raids into the Celebes and Sulu Seas.)
An amphibious TF with the 146 regemint will land at Ambon tomorrow. There are three surface TFs that will cover this invasion. Plus, Zeros at Menado are providing LRCAP while Nells stand ready to strike at any surface threat. (Though, for some reason, they have not seen fit to strike at the allied shipping fleeing down the Makassar strait.)
3 more SNLFs are departing Menado for Kendari. This will be the same set up as for Ambon. The surface TFs will shift from Ambon to Kendari as the invasion force approaches its target.
SNLFs at Jailut are being loaded for a descent on Baker and Canton. Another TF just left Jailut to pick up the SNLFs at Makin and Tarawa, which will also be used as part of the Baker/Canton operation. This operation will be run in conjunction with the descent on Pago-Pago. More or less, I plan on taking these Islands en-passant as KB2 and the 2nd Division proceed towards Samoa.
Wake will be invaded tomorrow with another SNLF. The one that is already on the atoll has seen its disruption greatly reduced and has been ordered to make a shock attack to help out the newcomers.
Our PM invasion force is two days away from landing. I imagine that PM has been reinforced by the units that were at Rabaul. There is a chance, though, that they are still on ships somewhere between New Guinea and Australia, so I have sent the KB on ahead just in case there is some shipping out there. If the 144 Reg/56 Division finds PM to be too hard to take on its own, the 65th brigade, which is already reboarding, can lend a hand.
Elements of the 56 Division set sail today for a point east of Rennell Island. They are in a slow TF and so need a head start.
Attachments
Descenton..Moresby.jpg (105.97 KiB) Viewed 270 times
Cent Pac
The Wake Invasion was a disaster. One of the SNLFs was almost completely wiped out: the few infantry squads remaining are all disabled. The other SNLF is in better shape, but its disruption is very high. I wonder, do reinforcing troops on an atoll not trigger a shock attack? This may partially explain what happened: the landing troops did not contribute to the assault. Well, now I need to find some more troops to send, only this time I am going to send some BBs to bombard the place. But for that I will need carrier support which is currently unavailable. I hope Wake is not going to turn into a major thorn in my side.
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Ground combat at Wake Island (136,98)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 2572 troops, 38 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 99
Defending force 959 troops, 24 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 27
Japanese adjusted assault: 46
Allied adjusted defense: 54
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 1)
Defending units:
Wake USN CPNAB
1st Marine Defense Battalion
DEI
The 41st Regiment landed at Ambon and will launch an assault tomorrow. The Zeros providing LRCAP from Menado were able to fend off the feeble counter attack. The other Zero squadron at Menado was able to shoot down 5 B-17s! My word, never seen that before. [X(] Medals all around! And a new 80+ exp pilot. I wonder if they were flying out of Soerebaya? The long range may partially explain these results.
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Morning Air attack on Manado , at 75,99
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Anyway, Jolo will be invaded tomorrow. The day after troops will assault Brunei, the last base on the west side of Borneo that is not mine. In addition, three SNLF units will land at Kendari. Base forces for these new acquisitions are currently steaming south past Mindanao. In about four days, four SNLFs will have gathered around Puerto Princessa for the assault on Tarakan.
Luzon
Manila has been declared an open city by the allies and will be captured tomorrow, as will Iba. Two divisions are now marching on Clark Field to hold the US forces in place while the airfields are developed and a continuous bombing campaign is launched.
Malaya/Burma
Georgetown will be captured tomorrow.
Everything is all set for an airdrop on Port Blair tomorrow. Recon shows only one unit there. Sallys from Bangkok will bomb the place, while my two largest transport squadrons drop the raider battalion from Victoria Point. Also at Victoria Point is a squadron of Bettys set to naval attack and 20% search. I am determined not to let anything in or out of Malaya via the Malacca strait. (an air flotilla hq is there, so they are using torps.)
Operation Roundhouse: Solomons Phase
I had some Kates recon PM. Supposedly, only 4 units are there, about 5000 troops. So it does not appear that the folks he pulled out of Rabaul are there. I will recon again tomorrow to be sure.
I have made a decision: I am going to split the KB tomorrow. Three CVs will split off to join up with the 56 and 2 division forces. The CVL/CV/BB TF currently at Truk will join this group. They will then sail on to Baker/Canton to cover those landings while the 2 division steams toward Samoa. The other three carriers covering the invasion of PM will linger for another day and then also set sail to join up with the 56 division group where they will be met by the Ryujo which is still 3 days out from Truk. Speed, speed, speed! I need to get to Canton/Samoa before reinforcements arrive. Also, as I pass down the Solomons chain, I will do some recon to see if witpqs took those troops at Rabaul and landed them at some place like Shortlands or Tulagi.
Santa was not nice to the Japanese Empire today. Probably because we are not Christians and do not celebrate Christmas. [:'(]
Malaya
Georgetown captured.
The Sallys at Bangkok scheduled to bomb Port Blair did not fly due to weather. As a result, my paratroopers were not able to capture the base. Transports will fly in supply tomorrow (I am hoping air dropped supplies work and I don't have to own the base for supply transport to work.) Two other para units are almost at Victoria Point. Once they arrive, I will drop them as well.
Port Moresby
My recon was wrong. There were not 4 units at Port Moresby, but 8. Apparently the troops from Rabaul were moved here. This has caused a slight change of plan. The full KB will launch a ground attack tomorrow, while the two accompanying surface TFs will bombard the place. Hopefully, that will disrupt the defenders because the 146 Regiment and 8 tank regiment are going to launch a shock attack. [8|]
Luzon
Despite my recon, there was actually a Filipino division in Manila. My recon batallion that was suppose to easily capture the place was badly repulsed. So now teh 33 division is re-landing at Atimona and will be used to capture the city. The boys in that division must be confused. [8|]
DEI
The deliberate attack at Ambon was repulsed because of the forts there, but they have now been reduced to 0. So tomorrow the 41st Regiment will shock attack.
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Ground combat at Ambon (76,109)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 3536 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 122
Defending force 2106 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 57
Japanese adjusted assault: 55
Allied adjusted defense: 46
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0
Of much more interest is the report of a CV in the Banda Sea. This could be the PoW and Repulse, it could be the RN CVL, or there is an outside possibility that a US CV could have reached here already, though I should think it would take longer than that. At any rate, everyone is doing a bug out. The forces at Ambon are retreating. Two of the surface forces will bombard Ambon with retirement allowed so they will scoot after shooting. The transport TF is retreating at full speed. And one surface TF of a CL and some DDs will try to intercept some fleeing merchies north of Ceram.
The Kendari force, will not be so lucky because they are too close. So they are going to retreat as much as they can, but they are going to have to rely on LRCAP from Menado.
In case this is not a CV but the PoW, I am bringing down 3 BBs from Badeldoab that just rearmed at Truk.
Wake
I turned replacements on for the beat up SNLF at Wake and it seems to be working. I have also put it into reserve mode. I may not need any more reinforcements here. What I need is some good solid disruption of the defenders. So my other slow BB TF will be sent to bombard Wake and the Nells at Roi will bomb the place.
The Rabaul invasion TFs are two days away from the target. I am not sure we have been spotted yet. But I have a report of 3 ships in Simpson harbor. I suspect they are part of the Australian navy. They may, however, be PT boats. If so, I will send in my surface forces to clean them out before sending in the invasion force.
